Approximately 53 East Palo Alto families own “BMR homes,” made possible by the City’s Below Market Rate (BMR) program, which, for decades, has required developers of new for-sale housing to sell some of them at more affordable prices. This program then keeps those homes affordable over time by restricting their resale price. The program is sometimes referred to as the “Ownership BMR Program” because it also includes many BMR apartments for rent as part of the City’s inclusionary housing ordinance.

The City of East Palo Alto is committed to providing affordable housing options. The Below Market Rate (BMR) Program is designed to increase the availability of affordable housing options for low- to moderate-income households. It helps first-time homebuyers with low, moderate, and middle incomes by offering specified units sold at below-market-rate prices. Future eligible buyers also resell these homes at below-market-rate prices.

The program aims to assist those who are priced out of the competitive housing market, ensuring diversity and inclusivity within communities. It regulates the price of the BMR units to ensure affordability.

The program was developed in response to “inclusionary zoning” ordinances prevalent in various jurisdictions, which require developers of new residential projects above a specific size to sell a percentage of the units at below-market rates.

BMR homeowners must work with the City to sell their homes. The program includes condominium and single-family units scattered through the city.

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